Environment

HB 15 appropriates $19.6 million from general funds and $75.7 million from special funds (including $5.75 million from gasoline taxes) to support Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for fiscal year 2026. The funds cover the department's operations, including staff salaries, park maintenance, and programs like Project WILD, which receives $125,335 from the Education Enhancement Fund. The bill specifies strict limits on "Personal Services" funding for salaries and staffing headcounts (514 permanent and 51 time-limited positions) to prevent overspending. It requires detailed annual spending reports to the legislature and ensures funds are used only for authorized purposes without replacing federal or other special funds.